I wanted to paint something simple and beautiful that honored our Flagstaff forest and also convey that feeling of nostalgia, or familiarity. Imagine being in the Dry Lake Hills or on Mt Elden or The Peaks in late Summer, the light is already changing to Autumn and there are wildflowers and lobster mushrooms galore after a few good monsoons. I was nearing the end of this painting, finishing up with some last touches, and I wondered, what shall I name this one? Pausing, musing, music in the background, the next song to come shuffling up was Nolan McKelvey’s “The Road Home”. How totally perfect was this?! And, not only was the title perfect, but also that feeling of nostalgia that only a long time, Flagstaff homie might get when one of Nolan’s songs you haven’t heard in a long time, comes up in the mix. I paint pictures of Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon that try to convey the “essence”, the “experience”, the “connection” to the place. Nolan is able to do that with his songs, Flagstaff’s very own troubadour. If I had to pick an artist to be the soundtrack to growing up as a young adult in Flagstaff, it would no doubt be Nolan. And, he’s still cranking out the songs, nearly 3 decades worth. And now, especially in the context of this pandemic, those songs tug at my heart-strings even that much more. Those songs represent a time that was somehow more carefree and innocent, when we still had a whole life time ahead of us and the world seemed like a safer place. So friend, thanks for inspiring this title, “On The Road Home” and so much more. So many songs, so many memories. Can’t wait until the next patio party, how sweet it will be.

Original in Private Collection

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